Judgment No. 37114 of June 14, 2023, by the Court of Cassation represents an important reference point for understanding the offence of unauthorized waste holding for recovery. This decision clarifies not only the legal nature of such a crime but also the legal implications arising from it for the parties involved, particularly for companies operating in the waste management sector.
The Court of Cassation has established that the offence of unauthorized waste holding for recovery is a continuous offence. This means that the commission of the offence continues until the unlawful conduct is interrupted. In other words, the offence persists as long as the necessary authorization is not obtained or the waste recovery activities are not definitively ceased.
Offence of unauthorized holding of waste for recovery operations - Legal nature - Continuous offence - Commission. The offence of unauthorized holding of waste for recovery operations is a continuous offence, the commission of which continues until the unlawful conduct is interrupted, which occurs upon obtaining authorization or upon the definitive cessation of the specific waste recovery management activity.
Companies that manage waste must pay particular attention to the necessary authorizations for their activities. The judgment under review emphasizes the importance of operating in compliance with current regulations, particularly Legislative Decree of April 3, 2006, No. 152, which governs waste management and related authorizations. Violation of these rules not only entails administrative sanctions but can escalate into a criminal offence, with all the legal consequences that entails.
In conclusion, judgment No. 37114 of 2023 offers an important clarification on the nature of the offence of unauthorized waste holding for recovery. Companies must be aware that, if they do not comply with environmental regulations, they expose themselves to significant risks, not only on an administrative level but also on a criminal one. It is therefore essential to proceed with caution and ensure that all necessary authorizations are in place to avoid burdensome legal consequences.